YPD Chief Cleared of Sexual Harassment Charges, but What Comes Next?

YAKIMA--Yakima Police Chief Sam Granato has been cleared of a claim of sexual harrassment, but what's next?

Yakima city leaders released the findings Thursday.

YPD Officer Stacey Andrews filed a complaint with the city on January 23, claiming Chief Granato sexually harassed her, made work uncomfortable and retaliated against her and her husband--also a YPD officer--because she tried to make her and Granato's relationship strictly work-related.

The chief told KNDO that was the case all along.

"I have never put my role as Chief of Police secondary to a friendship," Granato said in a phone interview.

Independent investigator Nancy Graber found that Granato's conduct was "unwelcome and also because of sex" but said it did not affect the terms and conditions of Andrews' employment.